State Cabinet of Arunachal Pradesh, headed by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, approved “Kaiser-i-Hind” as the state butterfly. Kaiser-i-Hind is scientifically known as Teinopalpus imperialis. In literal terms, it means Emperor of India. The butterfly is having a wingspan of 90-120 mm. It is found across six States along Eastern Himalayas at elevations from 6,000-10,000 feet in a well-wooded terrain.
The Kaiser-i-Hind is protected under Schedule II of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Despite that, they are hunted for the supply to butterfly collectors. International Union for Conservation of Nature has red-listed the Kaiser-i-Hind.
Key facts:
- Kaiser-i-Hind’ is a large and brightly coloured butterfly.
- It is an elusive swallowtail butterfly, which carries ‘India’ in its name.
- They also flutter in Bhutan, Nepal, Laos, Myanmar, southern China and Vietnam
- Arunachal pradesh CM: Pema Khandu;
- Arunachal Pradesh Governor: B. D. Mishra.
